Famous DiamondsThe history of great diamonds is intimately interwoven with the lives of emperors and conquerors, great kings and queens, with statesmen and soldiers, the rich and famous - but also, inevitably, with those who lead more shadowy lives. Diamonds have been objects of passion, sometimes of war, violence and theft. As well as being objects of exceptional beauty and rarity, they were once thought to possess magical properties that protected their owners from enemies. Initially a male prerogative reflecting status and authority, these incredible gems later adorned the wives of powerful men, and at times were offered as influential gifts. Few were immune to the temptation of diamonds; many sacrificed their lives and souls to them. In Famous Diamonds, Ian Balfour tells the fascinating stories of almost 80 of these remarkable gems including the famous: Koh-i-Noor, which is set in the British Crown Jewels; the infamous: the deep blue Hope Diamond, which is said to bring bad luck to all who handle it; the biggest: The Cullinan; and the Hollywood romantic: the Taylor-Burton Diamond. Some have detailed histories that can be traced from the present day back to the moment they were mined, while others have a more mysterious past or have disappeared from view. Also included are shorter entries on a further selection of some forty notable diamonds. SELLING POINTS: * A survey of the stones which arouse more passions than any other * Outstanding and varied examples of diamonds * Over 200 stunning photographs * A fascinating exploration of the great historic and notable diamonds of the world ILLUSTRATIONS 214 colour illustrations * |
Common terms and phrases
Agra Amsterdam appeared Asscher auction Aurangzeb Babur Banjarmasin became Beers Archives blue diamond bought British buyer Cape carats Dutch weight carats English weight Cartier century Christie's Christie's Images cleavage cleaved collection coloured diamonds Company Court Crown Jewels Cullinan Cullinan diamond Cushion cutter Darya-i deposits diamond weighing discovery displayed Duke emerald cut Emperor Empress exhibition facets Famous Diamonds fancy Fath Ali Shah flawless France French French Crown Jewels Geneva Golconda Graff half carats Harry Winston Hope diamond India jewellery Jonker Kimberley King known Koh-i-noor large diamonds later Lesotho London Louis marquise McLean metric carats mines Mogul Museum Nadir Shah Nassak necklace Notary original Orlov owner Paris pear shape pear-shaped Persian piece Pigot pink polished possession Premier present Prince purchased quarter carats Queen recut Regent rough diamond ruler Sancy Shah Jahan sold South Africa Star stone Sultan Tavernier yellow York